Every Medicare eligible retiree should have received the following letter from AT&T a few months back. This is a FYI.
July 11, 2005
Dear AT&T Retiree,
Over the course of the next months you (or your Medicare eligible dependent) will be receiving communications explaining the new Medicare Part D coverage from CMS, the Federal government entity that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Medicare Part D is a new voluntary prescription drug program that will require a premium (separate from the Part B premium) if you elect its coverage. The premium is estimated to be about $37 per month. The Medicare Part D program will be administered geographically by certain Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and you should be receiving communications advising you of their Part D product offerings in the near future.
The Medicare Part D enrollment period begins November 15th 2005. Keep in mind, you do not have to make any decisions (nor will you be able to take any action) in advance of the Part D enrollment period.
AT&T has been reviewing the new Medicare prescription drug coverage as information continues to become available. Our initial belief is that many AT&T retirees may benefit by staying with the prescription drug coverage under the AT&T Plan rather than electing the Medicare Part D coverage. However, there are some individuals who may benefit more from Medicare Part D coverage, particularly if they are eligible for extra financial assistance with drug plan costs because they have limited income and resources. This assistance can be very generous. One of the first communications from CMS to Medicare Part D eligible individuals will explain how you determine if you qualify for this assistance, and how to apply for it.
Additional information about the limited income and resources communication and Medicare Part D is available through the sources listed below.
v Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
v Visit www.medicare.gov on the web
v Look for the “Medicare & You” 2006 handbook in the mail this fall for more information.
You will be receiving additional information from AT&T prior to this year’s open enrollment period for making elections under the AT&T Plan, which will be before the Medicare Part D enrollment period. Meanwhile, I encourage you to read the information that CMS sends you on the Medicare Part D program and learn as much as you can so that you are in the best position to make an informed decision later this year about the best source for your prescription drug coverage in 2006.
Sincerely,
Brian M. Byrnes
HR Director – Benefits Policy and Compliance